Overview
A dependent phrase, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to convey a full thought.
Key Concepts
Dependent phrases typically begin with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since, when, if) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, whom, whose, which, that). They add context and detail to the main idea expressed in the independent clause.
Deep Dive
There are three main types of dependent clauses:
- Adverbial clauses: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, answering questions like when, where, why, or how. Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- Adjectival clauses (Relative clauses): Modify nouns or pronouns, usually introduced by relative pronouns. Example: The book that I read was fascinating.
- Noun clauses: Function as nouns, acting as subjects, objects, or complements. Example: What you said surprised me.
Applications
Dependent phrases are essential for creating complex sentences and compound-complex sentences. They allow writers to express nuanced relationships between ideas, add descriptive information, and provide reasons or conditions.
Challenges & Misconceptions
A common mistake is to punctuate a dependent phrase as a complete sentence, creating a sentence fragment. It’s important to recognize that these phrases need to be attached to an independent clause.
FAQs
What is the difference between a dependent phrase and an independent phrase?
An independent phrase can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent phrase cannot.
How do I identify a dependent phrase?
Look for a subject and verb, and check if it begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. If it doesn’t make sense on its own, it’s likely dependent.